Perception is the process of extracting information from sensory stimuli and interpreting it, which allows us to be aware of objects and events. It involves sensation, information extraction, and provides organization. Key principles of perception include figure-ground relationship, closure, and grouping. Gestalt psychologists proposed that we tend to group objects based on proximity, similarity, and continuity. Perception can be influenced by factors like sense organ functioning, brain functioning, previous experience, psychological state, interest, and motivation. Perceptual illusions represent misjudgments of size, length, perspective, or other qualities.